2017 Liberty Football Capsule

LIBERTY

League: Class 4A Southeast

Head coach: Rich Muraco, ninth season (84-21)

2016 record: 12-2 (5-0 Southeast League, first)

Returning lettermen: 37

Returning starters: Six offense, eight defense

Base offensive set: Multiple (Spread, Maryland I)

Base defensive set: 4-2-5

Top offensive players: QB Kenyon Oblad (Sr.); WR Marquez Powell (Sr.); WR Cervontes White (Jr.); OT Troy Fantanu (Jr.); OT Syvone Sistrunk (Sr.)

Top defensive players: DL Crishaun Lappin (Sr.); S Allan Mwata (Sr.); CB Octavian Bell (Sr.); DL Jaden Brown (Sr.); LB/S Austin Fiaseu (Jr.)

Top newcomers: LB Kyle Beaudry (Jr.); WR Maurice Hampton (So.); OL Brandon Yates (Jr.)

Key losses: WR/DB Ethan Dedeaux; WR Darion Acohido; OL Malasla Aumavae-Laulu; OL Will Brewer

Outlook: The Patriots have been the class of the Sunrise Region, having one the past seven region titles and advancing to the state title game three times in the past five seasons.

And this year’s team should be no exception, led by four-year starting quarterback Kenyon Oblad.

Oblad passed fo 3,784 yards and 38 TDs last season, and has a shot to become the state’s all-time leading passer.

He’s one of 10 players on the squad with Division I FBS offers. Six of those players are on defense, which Muraco said could be the team’s strength.

Lappin led the team with 70 tackles and 11 interceptions in earning first-team all-state honors. Bell picked off five passes and was a second-team all-state pick. Mwata has committed to San Diego State.

If Powell and White can help make up for the loss of all-state receivers Dedeaux and Acohido, the Patriots could well be in the mix for a national ranking after spending 14 weeks in the USA Today top 25 last season.

“On paper, this could be the most talented Liberty Patriots team ever,” Muraco said.